The equestrian statue of Louis XIV, crafted by François‑Joseph Bosio, has stood at the centre of Place des Victoires since 1822, atop a pedestal designed by Jean‑Antoine Alavoine. The bronze lion-on-horseback posture, supported subtly by the horse’s tail, reflects classical balance .

The white marble pedestal features two Bosio bas-reliefs: “The Crossing of the Rhine” and “Institution of the Royal and Military Order of Saint Louis” (1693). Inspired by Falconet’s Bronze Horseman in St. Petersburg, the heroic pose of the king in Roman-style attire embodies imperial grandeur.

This statue replaced the original 1686 standing statue by Martin Desjardins, crowned and trampling a three-headed creature in celebration of the Nijmegen treaties. That version presided over Hardouin‑Mansart’s circular plaza, flanked by arcades, pilasters and four lantern posts. It was toppled in August 1792 by revolutionaries and melted into cannons, though the four captive figures survive at the Louvre.

Napoleon installed a statue of General Desaix (depicted nude) in 1810, which was removed soon after, paving the way for the 1822 bronze, inaugurated on August 15th. Classified as a historical monument in 1992 and restored in 2005, the ensemble retains its grandeur.
Today, the statue, grille, pedestal and bas‑reliefs form a dignified architectural tableau. Surrounded by high‑end fashion boutiques, the square blends royal history with contemporary Parisian flair. Visitors come to admire art, sip terrace coffee, snap photos or simply soak in the refined yet vibrant atmosphere.